Learning How to Cook Classic Greek Dishes

[paharo45]

I am an Armenian-American but I have a lot of Greek friends and I currently work at a Greek restaurant. I don't know how to cook the traditional Greek foods so I am really just waiting tables, but I am fascinated by the cuisine and want to work in the kitchen. I thought maybe if I studies Greek cooking on my own I would have a greater chance of joining the kitchen staff. It is my dream to be a chef, and this seems like a great place to start.

So, I thought I'd make a list of dishes to learn how to cook. Chime in if you think I missed anything:

- Tiropita (cheese pita)
- Spanakopita (spinach pita)
- Greek style rice pilaf
- Kapama (I just saw a recipe in another thread!)
- Greek lentil soup
- Stuffed grape leaves (I can make the Armenian version so I might start with this - it's a matter of getting the Greek flavors)
- Egg and Lemon soup
- Baklava and other Greek desserts - (I can make the Armenian version, I just need to get a handle on the Greek flavors - maybe using honey in the syrup instead of just sugar and water?)

What else do you guys think I should make?

 

[k_tsoukalas]

Hmmmm... it looks like you need to add Pastitsio and Moussaka to the list! They're both classic dishes. They're a bit involved with a lot of steps, but totally doable.

 

[paharo45]

Hmmmm... it looks like you need to add Pastitsio and Moussaka to the list! They're both classic dishes. They're a bit involved with a lot of steps, but totally doable.

Thank you! I looked at a pastitsio recipe recently and it doesn't look bad. Though, it looks like the sauce that goes on the top could be tricky.